Shipping a Mosin-Nagant

[Phaethon]

So I finally went out and bought a rifle. The only ones within my price range were some Mark III SMLE's and M91/30's, and the latter having been sitting in warehouses untouched for decades definitely took the cake over the worn out Enfields. I think it might be Tula arsenal; I won't be able to tell until I pick up the rifle from the dealer, after the transfer (I don't have a concealed license).

But anyway, that's aside from the point.

I live in Florida at the moment, but this summer I want to go up and spend time with my dad. The thing is, he lives in Texas, and as far as I understand neither of us have FFL's. Do I have any options for getting the gun up there so that I can go ranging with him?

Could I, for example, have it shipped to a dealer over there or something? And what kind of prices should I expect from something like this?

 

[Aaron Baker]

Do a little research, but I believe that you can ship a long gun to yourself through the US postal service. Address it to yourself, care of your dad, and tell him not to open it. Only you are allowed to open the package at the other end.

Like I said, do a little research, but I seem to remember this being legal.

Aaron

 

[nalioth]

Mr. Baker is correct.

Shipping a gun - who, how, where, when and why - Links to the laws, and shipper's policies.

 

[Phaethon]

Is it of any consequence that I'm under 18? The rifle is currently registered under my mom's name, and we plan to transfer ownership of it to me in six months or so when I come of age.

My mom couldn't ship it to "herself" in Texas however since she wouldn't actually be going, correct?

 

[Aaron Baker]

That does throw a wrench in things. First, to be clear, unless your state has actual gun registration, there is no "registration" for that gun. Your mom may be the one that passed the background check to buy it, but it's not "registered" to her.

With that said, I believe that you cannot legally own that gun because you're under 18. So your mom still owns it. She's have to be the one doing the shipping, and so she'd have to receive it on the other end.

That's just my guess, to be honest, but it's a safe guess.

Aaron

 

[RP88]

that is correct going by federal law. Minors/juveniles/under 18 cannot legally own a firearm. They may possess one for use under supervision or lawful purpose (depending on the state), but cannot legally own, buy, transfer, etc. a firearm.

You'd have to have it go to your parents. Once you turn 18 you are fine for non-NFA long guns, though. So until then, patience is virtue.

 

[nalioth]

With that said, I believe that you cannot legally own that gun because you're under 18.

. . and which state is that? Depending on the state, folks younger than that can "own" their own firearms. Trouble here, is we're messing with the feds (US Mail).

Once you turn 18 you are fine for non-NFA long guns, though.

See above. Folks under 21 but over 18 are legally able to buy any regular ol' handgun or long gun in Texas (and other states) from other state residents (but not dealers).

Where are you getting your info?

 

[NMGonzo]

You will be 18 one day.

Problem solved.

 

[RP88]

See above. Folks under 21 but over 18 are legally able to buy any regular ol' handgun or long gun in Texas (and other states) from other state residents (but not dealers).

Where are you getting your info?

I don't see any point in telling him the private acquisition of handguns since this is a topic about a rifle.

But yes, you can possess a handgun once you turn 18, assuming you have someone gift it to you, you inherit it, or you find a private seller who will actually sell you one. Good luck getting ammo and the gun, though.

 

[zstephens13]

Here's a fun story for you that will help answer the question.
During a move I went to the post office and asked what I needed to do to mail a few long guns. The guy said fill out form 1508 and everything will be fine. I did so and told him that I am neither a dealer or manufacturer of firearms like the form specifics. He said that would be fine and I paid the shipping and paid the insurance and everything. 2 days later, the day I was driving out of state, got my guns back because I am not allowed to ship them.

So, the moral of the story is, let me save you the money and the heartbreak and disappoint and hassel, and don't try to ship your guns through the USPS.

Z

 

[nalioth]

So, the moral of the story is, let me save you the money and the heartbreak and disappoint and hassel, and don't try to ship your guns through the USPS.

The USPS counter drone you dealt with was informationally defective.

USPS carries hundreds of guns each day w/o any quibbles.

 

[Phaethon]

She's have to be the one doing the shipping, and so she'd have to receive it on the other end.

I figured, but since she wouldn't actually be going herself to Texas, just having her ship it to "herself" and then opening it myself instead would technically be illegal, I assume?

 

[nalioth]

I figured, but since she wouldn't actually be going herself to Texas, just having her ship it to "herself" and then opening it myself instead would technically be illegal, I assume?

It'd break more laws than we're aware of here, yep.

 

[-dW]

for the cost of the shipping both ways and the potential hassle, I would just buy another mosin in texas and leave it with your dad..

 

[Phaethon]

for the cost of the shipping both ways and the potential hassle, I would just buy another mosin in texas and leave it with your dad..

Yeah, I think I might just pick up a cheap shooter and play around with it up there. Thanks guys.